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Hey guys picked up this 1972 cutlass has a 455 in it. Looking to bring it back to life. The car has been sitting for 20 years. This is my first project like this so I’m sure I’ll have questions.
Was wondering what the name of this would be and if there are panels available to replace them. Would this be considered lower cowl panels? And also the door jam where it’s rusted out.
You will probably need to make your own pieces to fix what you are looking at. Guessing you are good with a torch? I think you have a decent starting point. Frame good? I am digging the Cragers. What are your plans? Colors etc etc? I will be watching your progress.
Looks like a similar starting point to the car I got with my vista cruiser except mine was a 350/350 car before I made it a 455/ 4 speed.
Here is a link to cowl side repair panels: https://www.opgi.com/sheet-metal-bod...h27102-pr.html
Welcome... I have not seen those offered as a reproduction piece, but that doesnt mean it is not out there.
What are your plans for the car?
I plan on focusing on repairing as much rust as I can on the body right now . Get the frame blasted and painted along with all chassis components. When completed just plan on having a straight/clean black Cutlass with the rebuilt 455. I have been contemplating doing a torque storm supercharger on it but we will cross that road later. I will get new Cragars down the road maybe 15s with wide ones in a rear. will be doing a small tub in the rear as well. Going for like a stock with slight pro steer look to it.
Looks like a similar starting point to the car I got with my vista cruiser except mine was a 350/350 car before I made it a 455/ 4 speed.
Here is a link to cowl side repair panels: https://www.opgi.com/sheet-metal-bod...h27102-pr.html
Nice will be keeping up with your build. And thank you for link that exactly the part I need.
You will probably need to make your own pieces to fix what you are looking at. Guessing you are good with a torch? I think you have a decent starting point. Frame good? I am digging the Cragers. What are your plans? Colors etc etc? I will be watching your progress.
Yes frame is solid. I will have to do some minor repair where the radiator core support meets the frame. But over all good. And thanks they are 14s will probably get a new set soon 15s with 11 wide rear deep dish. I am a fan of the classic muscle car look. I plan on painting the car a nice black. mini tub in rear with wide tires. mild 455.
I am new to most of these repairs so I am looking forward to the learning experience and the trial and errors that will come from this project. I come from the off road/jeep world.
What panel would this be is this considered trunk floor? Tail light panel?. You can see in the picture I am shining a light so you can see the light through the rust holes I’m referring about
the front firewall and cowl pieces are readily available multiple places, I know OPGI carries most of it, I have never seen a reproduction of that rear area though, you will have to find a donor car or hopefully your good with metal, i had to make patches for my car in that area. I had to replace both shoulders on the cowl like you are showing, i also had to replace the inner structure which was also available. Good luck looks like a good project!!!
